Under 21 Squad 
2002

From AAP
Saturday December 14, 10:45 PM
Australians edge England

A last-ditch try by Australian speedster Drew Mitchell sealed a thrilling win over England in the South Africa Sevens overnight in George. The Queensland flyer touched down to give the Australians a 19-14 victory, top spot in their pool and a quarter final berth against Argentina. England was seen as a big danger for Australia, fielding a very strong, fast team. They had control of the match until the final few minutes when Luke Foster made a 40 metre break and offloaded to Chris O'Young, who touched down to level the scores at 14-all.
Then with just 10 seconds left on the clock, Mitchell scorched around his opposite man and timed a strong fend to leave the defence in his wake and cross for the match-winning try. Earlier, Australia defeated Namibia 29-14 and France 20-12, with the ACT's Tim LeNevez one of the standout performers in the young team. 
Sydney University five-eighth Brock James, who joined the team in South Africa after injuries to Chris Yates and Chris Siale in the Dubai tournament, slotted quickly into the team, scoring two tries against France and kicking four crucial conversions during day one. Australia will face either Fiji or Kenya if they advance to the semi-finals.


From Tuesday February 4th 2003
NOT ENOUGH CHANGES TO WALLABIES
Lee Grant returns!
Thursday 26th September, 2002
 
from Lee Grant
The silverfern.co.nz

Finegan missed the 2000 tour through injury. He got refreshed and had a storming 2001 season as a result. He's playing tired now and needs the same rejuvenation. I went to see his Randwick club side play in a qualifying final on Saturday and he just strolled around the field. 

By contrast, young Jone Tawake, injured recently with a bad finger, was a dynamo when he came on for University. I thought geez who's this huge ugly prop - and it was a flanker! Great pace at 116kgs, good footwork and a neat kick to the corner for his flyhalf to score. 

The scorer, Brock James, made the mistake of trying to pick Tawake up in celebration and nearly popped his groin muscle again. Big Johnny should have been chosen instead of Finegan. 

AUSTRALIAN UNDER 21S NAMED FOR FINAL
Story By: ARU Date: 27/6/2002

Australia are playing down the tag of favourites for the IRB under-21 World Cup title when they meet South Africa at Ellis Park on Friday. Most top officials, including the South African coach Jake White conceded that Australia are the team to beat.

"I think Australia are the favourites," White said after his side`s 19-18 semi-final win against the New Zealand Colts. "I think they are a really well drilled side and I don`t believe we can make as many mistakes against Australia as we made against the Colts." New Zealand coach Bryce Woodward concurred with the assessment: "My money would be on Australia. They had a pretty easy semi-final against Wales and I know how hard it`s going to be for South Africa to lift themselves. They have a huge job to do."

Australia made just one change for the match, recalling scrumhalf Matthew Henjak. He replaces Matthew Giteau after being rested for the semi-final victory over Wales. Giteau drops to the bench with Paul Sheedy the unfortunate man to miss out. Australia have scored 42 tries in four matches - making them the best attacking force in the competition. But they will be up against the most miserly defence. The Baby Boks have conceded just three tries, two coming in the match against New Zealand - both from kicks that were charged down.

"We don`t see ourselves as favourites at all," team manager Ray McNichol said. "It will be an even tough and physical game - a challenge we are up to. "As we`ve said all along we will be focused on our game and not worry about what the opposition is going to throw at us. "I think it`s fantastic that South Africa made the final because there should be a big crowd in at Ellis Park.

"Our aim when we set out was to make the final and we were expecting to have to play either New Zealand or South Africa in the final." Australia certainly had the luxury of an easier semi and although it was physical it was less brutal than the South Africa/New Zealand match, which might leave the visitors fresher for the final. "I suppose they had a tougher physical encounter and this tournament has been about who covers best and quickest inbetween matches," McNichol said. "They might be at a disadvantage in that area but they have the home support so it could even things up. "The two teams have been evenly matched in the competition. We both scored 135 points against Romania and we both had similar size wins over France and Ireland. It will be close. "Because of that we have really worked on our discipline. Against Wales we gave away a lot of penalties and that was disappointing. "But we have spoken about it and the team knows what is required to win this thing. We are looking forward to the match."

Teams -
Australia: 15-Michael Tabrett, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Mark Gerrard, 12-Morgan Turinui, 11-Luke Sweeney, 10-Brock James, 9-Matthew Henjak, 8-Tamaiti Horua (capt), 7-Matthew Hodgson, 6-Jone Tawake, 5-Mark Chisholm, 4-Daniel Heenan, 3-Anthony Mathison, 2-Joshua Mann-Rea, 1-Nic Henderson. Reserves: 16-Nick Churvin, 17-Guy Shepherdson, 18-Luke Doherty, 19-Adam Whalley, 20-Mafi Kefu, 21-Chris Siale, 22-Matthew Giteau.
South Africa: 1-Guthro Steenkamp, 2-Gary Botha, 3-Patrick Barnard, 4-Stefan van Rooyen, 5-Jaun Smith, 6-Roland Bernard, 7-Pedrie Wannenberg,8-Jacques Cronje, 9-Enrico Januarie, 10-Swys Swart, 11-Ashwin Willemse,12-Dewey Swartbooi, 13-Clyde Rathbone (capt), 14-Jean de Villiers, 15-Jorrie Muller. Reserves: 16-Dean Hopp, 17-Rayno Gerber, 18-Quinton Geldenhuis, 19-Schalk Burger, 20-Fourie du Preez, 21-Tsepo Kokoali, 22-JP Nel.

AUSTRALIA INTO UNDER 21 FINAL
Story By: ARU Date: 26/6/2002

Australia`s Under-21s swept into the final of the IRB Under-21 World Championship with an impressive 43-7 victory over fourth seeds Wales at the Rand Afrikaans University grounds in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Australia will now meet hosts South Africa in the final, after the home team upset favourites New Zealand with a last minute 19-18 victory in the other semi final. The Young Wallabies used their advantages in weight and power to repeatedly punch holes in their outgunned opponents and it was only gutsy, scrambling defence from the Welsh that spared them a heavier beating.

Waratahs loose forward Jone Tawake wreaked havoc in the Welsh midfield, scoring one of his side`s five tries, while centres Morgan Turinui and Mark Gerrard also claimed tries with some devastating running. The only area in which Wales had dominance was at the scrummage although that wasn`t enough to prevent them from spending large portions of the match camped in their own half.

They were immediately on the back foot when a slick backline move opened enough space for Gerrard to power over the line in the eighth minute. Wales remained under pressure but kept their line intact until the half hour although they found themselves falling behind on the scoreboard thanks to the boot of Wallaby flyhalf Brock James. He kicked six out of seven attempts at goal before he was replaced - including four penalties - as the young Welsh were penalised as they came under pressure in their own half.

Australia`s second try involved another clever build up although it still required an inside step from Turinui and the power to break a tackle to get him over the line from 20 metres. Tawake powered over from close on the hour mark before being withdrawn and the Welsh finally got some consolation for a brave effort when left wing Nicky James scampered over in the left hand corner. Stung into a riposte, Australia finished strongly with further tries for flanker Matthew Hodgson and Matthew Giteau.

The final will be played at Ellis Park on Friday afternoon (SA time).

Scorers:
Australia - Tries: Mark Gerrard, Morgan Turinui, Jone Tawake, Mathew Hodgson, Matthew Giteau. Conversions: Brock James (2), Giteau.Penalties: James (4)
Wales - Try: Nicky Jones. Conversion: Nicky Robinson.

Australia - 15-Michael Tabrett; 14-Luke Sweeney, 13-Mark Gerrard, 12-Morgan Turinui (Mafi Kefu, 63), 11-Peter Hynes; 10-Brock James (Paul Sheedy, 73), 9-Matthew Giteau; 8-Tamaiti Horua (captain), 7-Matthew Hodgson, 6-Jone Tawake (Adam Whalley, 63), 5-Mark Chisholm, 4-Daniel Heenan, 3-Anthony Mathison, 2-Joshua Mann-Rea (Nick Churven, 69), 1-Nic Henderson (Guy Shephardson, 69).
Wales - 15-Gareth Swales (Michael Hook, 76); 14-Liam Roberts, 13-Mike Jones, 12-Matthew Brayley (captain, Scott Williams, 78), 11-Nicky Jones; 10-Nicky Robinson, 9-Mike Phillips; 8-Rhys Jones, 7-Gareth Williams, 6-Jonathan Thomas, 5-Ryan Jones (Luke Charters, 67), 4-Luke Tait, 3-Adam Jones, 2-Matt Miles, 1-Paul James.

Australia have scored 42 tries in four matches - making them the best attacking force in the competition. But they will be up against the most miserly defence.

Team for final
Teams - Australia: 15-Michael Tabrett, 14-Peter Hynes, 13-Mark Gerrard, 12-Morgan Turinui, 11-Luke Sweeney, 10-Brock James, 9-Matthew Henjak, 8-Tamaiti Horua (capt), 7-Matthew Hodgson, 6-Jone Tawake, 5-Mark Chisholm, 4-Daniel Heenan, 3-Anthony Mathison, 2-Joshua Mann-Rea, 1-Nic Henderson. Reserves: 16-Nick Churvin, 17-Guy Shepherdson, 18-Luke Doherty, 19-Adam Whalley, 20-Mafi Kefu, 21-Chris Siale, 22-Matthew Giteau.

Courtesy: BBC Sport, 25th June 2002


Wales were thoroughly outclassed by a slick Australian outfit in the semi-final of the IRB Under-21 World Cup in South Africa. The young Wallabies out-scored their opponents by five tries to one and always looked in control.

The victory was virtually secured by half time as converted tries by Mark Gerrard and Morgan Turinui and three penalties from Brock James' gave Australia a comfortable 24-0 first-half lead.

Scoring details 
Wales U-21 (0) 7
Try: N Jones; Cons: N Robinson 
Australia U-21 (24) 43 
Tries: M Gerrard, M Turinui, J Tawake, M Hodgson, M Giteau; Cons: B James (2), M Giteau, Pens: B James (4)
Att: 5000 

Jone Qawake added the third try before Wales finally got on the board with under ten minutes to play. Left-winger Nicholas Jones crossed the try-line and Cardiff fly-half Nicky Robinson kicked the conversion.

But Australia were determined to have the last word, and two further tries came courtesy of Matthew Hodgson and Matthew Giteau before the end. 

The Kiwis looked to have secured the victory until Francois Swart kicked a penalty two minutes into added time to snatch their final place. Wales will now meet New Zealand, also on Friday, in the third/fourth place
play-off.  The sides met in the group stage last week where Wales were thrashed 73-19.

Wales: Gareth Swales; Liam Roberts, Michael Jones, Matthew Brayley (capt), Nicholas Jones; Nicky Robinson, Michael Phillips; Paul James, Matthew Miles, Adam Jones, Luke Tait, Ryan Jones, Rhys Williams, Gareth Williams, Rhys Jones. Replacements: Adam Matthews, Ceirian Jones, Luke Charteris, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Michael Hook, Scott Williams, Christopher Miller.

Australia: Michael Tabrett; Luke Sweeney, Mark Gerrard, Turinui Morgan and Peter Hynes; James Brock and Matthew Giteau; Nicholas Henderson, Joshua Mann-Rea, Anthony Mathison, Daniel Heenan, Mark Chisholm, Jone Tawake, Matthew Hodgson, Tamaiti Horua (capt). Replacements: Nick Churvin, Guy Shepherdson, Luke Doherty, Adam Whalley, Mafileo Kefu, Christopher Siale.

From
thisisgwent.co.uk
First published on Wednesday 26 June 2002:

Defeat for U-21s
WALES suffered a 43-7 defeat at the hands of favourites Australia in the semi-finals of the under-21s World Cup in South Africa last night. Wales conceded five tries while scoring just one and now face New Zealand in Friday's third place play-off after the All Blacks youngsters were pipped 19-18 by South Africa in the other semi-final. 

Wales were troubled throughout by flanker Jone Tawake, who scored once and had a hand in three others. Mark Gerrard scored the first try for the Aussies and Morgan Turinui, Matthew Hodgson and Matthew Giteau also crossed. Brock James converted two and kicked four penalties. 

Wales' only try came from wing Nicky Jones with Nicky Robinson converting. 
In addition to Newport's Rhys Jones and Ebbw Vale's Rhys Williams who both started the game, Newport pair Luke Charteris and Scott Williams were second half replacements. 

12 April 2002
Winning start for Sydney's rugby champs
By Graham Croker

Sydney University's bid to win back-to-back Shute Shields in the Sydney rugby union premiership has begun on a positive note with wins over Penrith and Parramatta in the opening two rounds.

Making the most of his chance to cover for Phil Waugh at openside flanker in First Grade, Christian Duffy turned in a Waugh-like performance to win man of the match honours in the 25-10 win over a committed Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park.

Although the Students led throughout, it was never with a comfortable demeanour. The physically challenging opposition denied the University a bonus point for a fourth try by restricting them to three touchdowns. Winger Matt Nethery began the season with two tries and inside centre Trevor Walsh scored the other, with five-eighth Brock James landing two conversions and two penalty goals.

James was one of many new faces in the University line-up for the season opener. Having turned in several cameo performances in 2001 when Chris Malone was injured, he has secured a permanent berth in the Firsts while Malone pursues a career in England.

The 20-year-old Australian Sevens representative has the ability to guide the side through extended phase play and is a better than average goal-kicker.

Other new faces included Gareth Hardy at loosehead prop - replacing Geoff Mutton, whose promising career has been cut short by a back injury - second-rower Al Waite (up from Second Grade), and the backrow of Jono Bowman (a new recruit from Norths), Jon Cocks and Duffy (both up from Seconds).

The backline had a familiar ring to it with Scott Stumbles at halfback, centres Walsh and John O'Connor and wingers Nethery and Michael Griffin. Anthony O'Gorman filled in at full back for Ed Carter.

With the rustiness knocked out and some more oil applied, the Students went on the road again for round two at Granville Rugby Park.

Parramatta turned on a 20-minute onslaught before University turned on the points to run out 47-21 winners with seven tries.

Walsh and Carter scored two apiece, with James, Griffin and O'Connor also crossing the line. James added six conversions.

The second and third tries were gems. James capitalised on some great work by the impressive Duffy and O'Connor to dummy his way through the blindside defence to score the second. He also instigated the third when University attacked from their own line. The ball went along the backline until Carter breached the frontline defence. He advanced play 40 metres and when collared found Walsh backing up on the inside.

The match saw the return of prop David Fitter, back from duty with the ACT Brumbies, second-rower Al Campbell and fullback Carter. Unavailable through Super 12 duties or injury were flankers Phil Waugh, Jone Tawake and Drew Hickey, number eight David Lyons, hooker Brendan Cannon and outside centre Luke Inman.

The third round will see Sydney University hosting Northern Suburbs.